Tuesday, February 24, 2015

2:38 PM

Gathered on the Capitol steps facing State Street, protesters sang union tuns before a series of speeches.

John Havlicek, an elementary teacher from La Crosse, urged the crowd to have the patience and strength for what he said would be the most difficult battle of their lives -- finding common ground.

"This is not a battle of striking back at those that have struck at us, but a battle of reaching out and empowering them to have the courage to stand with us," he said. "We must welcome everyone to join us, even as they rage against us. If we do, if we stand together, we will not fail."

The Department of Administration estimated 1,800 to 2,000 were gathered at the Capitol, both inside and outside, during the protest. After a series of speeches, some filed into the rotunda, where they took up a number of chants.

A second rally was planned for noon tomorrow on the Capitol steps as well.